U.S. patent number 11,402,958 [Application Number 17/139,615] was granted by the patent office on 2022-08-02 for electronic device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. The grantee listed for this patent is SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Sanghyun Jun, Kwanghyeok Kim, Miyoung Kim, Soyeon Park, Yong-Hwan Park.
United States Patent |
11,402,958 |
Kim , et al. |
August 2, 2022 |
Electronic device
Abstract
An electronic device includes a base layer, a first sensing
pattern disposed on the base layer and including a plurality of
first mesh lines, a second sensing pattern disposed on the base
layer and spaced apart from the first sensing pattern, a first
sensing line electrically connected to the first sensing pattern,
and a second sensing line electrically connected to the second
sensing pattern. Each of the first mesh lines includes at least one
of a first end and a second end having a shape different from a
shape of the first end, the first end faces the second sensing
pattern, and the second end is spaced apart from the second sensing
pattern.
Inventors: |
Kim; Miyoung (Hwaseong-si,
KR), Park; Yong-Hwan (Hwaseong-si, KR),
Kim; Kwanghyeok (Cheonan-si, KR), Park; Soyeon
(Yongin-si, KR), Jun; Sanghyun (Suwon-si,
KR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD. |
Yongin-si |
N/A |
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
(Yongin-si, KR)
|
Family
ID: |
1000006471419 |
Appl.
No.: |
17/139,615 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2020 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20210373708 A1 |
Dec 2, 2021 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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May 27, 2020 [KR] |
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10-2020-0063700 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
3/0412 (20130101); G06F 3/0445 (20190501); G06F
2203/04112 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
3/044 (20060101); G06F 3/041 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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110660836 |
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Jan 2020 |
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CN |
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10-2016-0043577 |
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Apr 2016 |
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KR |
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10-2019-0025798 |
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Mar 2019 |
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KR |
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10-2019-0101517 |
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Sep 2019 |
|
KR |
|
Primary Examiner: Patel; Sanjiv D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: F. Chau & Associates, LLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electronic device, comprising: a base layer; a first sensing
pattern disposed on the base layer and comprising a plurality of
first mesh lines; a second sensing pattern disposed on the base
layer and spaced apart from the first sensing pattern; a first
sensing line electrically connected to the first sensing pattern;
and a second sensing line electrically connected to the second
sensing pattern, wherein each of the plurality of first mesh lines
comprises at least one of a first end and a second end having a
shape different from a shape of the first end, the first end faces
the second sensing pattern, and the second end is spaced apart from
the second sensing pattern.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a dummy
pattern disposed on the base layer between the first sensing
pattern and the second sensing pattern, wherein the second end is
spaced apart from the second sensing pattern with the dummy pattern
interposed therebetween.
3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second end of one
first mesh line among the plurality of first mesh lines faces
another first mesh line among the plurality of first mesh lines
without any conductive material disposed between the second end of
the one first mesh line and the another first mesh line.
4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first end
comprises a plurality of first side edges extending substantially
parallel to each other and a first connection edge connecting the
plurality of first side edges, the second end comprises a plurality
of second side edges extending substantially parallel to each other
and a second connection edge connecting the plurality of second
side edges, and the first connection edge has a length different
from a length of the second connection edge.
5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein an angle between one
first side edge among the plurality of first side edges and the
first connection edge is different from an angle between one second
side edge among the plurality of second side edges and the second
connection edge.
6. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein one edge of the first
connection edge and the second connection edge is a substantially
straight line, and the other edge of the first connection edge and
the second connection edge is a curved line.
7. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein one edge of the first
connection edge and the second connection edge comprises at least
two substantially straight lines, and the other edge of the first
connection edge and the second connection edge comprises one
substantially straight line or one curved line.
8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second sensing
pattern comprises a mesh portion, the plurality of first mesh lines
extends in a first direction, the mesh portion extends in a second
direction crossing the first direction, and the mesh portion faces
the first end.
9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second sensing
pattern comprises a plurality of second mesh lines extending in a
same direction as the plurality of first mesh lines, each of the
plurality of second mesh lines comprises at least one of a third
end and a fourth end having a shape different from a shape of the
third end, the third end faces the first end, and the fourth end is
spaced apart from the first sensing pattern.
10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the first end and the
third end have a substantially same shape as each other.
11. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the third end has a
shape corresponding to the shape of the first end.
12. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein widths of the
plurality of first mesh lines are substantially the same as each
other.
13. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a display
layer disposed under the base layer and a light emitting area
defined therein, wherein the first sensing pattern comprises an
opening defined therein and overlapping the light emitting
area.
14. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the first sensing
pattern comprises a first mesh portion, a second mesh portion
spaced apart from the first mesh portion, a third mesh portion
connected to the first mesh portion and the second mesh portion,
and a fourth mesh portion spaced apart from the third mesh portion
and connected to the first and second mesh portions, and the first,
second, third, and fourth mesh portions define the opening, and the
first, second, third, and fourth mesh portions are spaced apart
from the light emitting area when viewed in a thickness direction
of the base layer.
15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the light emitting
area comprises a first light emitting portion and a second light
emitting portion concaved from the first light emitting portion in
a direction away from the base layer, and a width of a mesh portion
adjacent to the second light emitting portion among the first,
second, third, and fourth mesh portions is greater than a width of
another mesh portion adjacent to the first light emitting portion
among the first, second, third, and fourth mesh portions.
16. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the light emitting
area comprises a first light emitting portion and a second light
emitting portion inclined from the first light emitting portion in
a direction away from the base layer, and when viewed in the
thickness direction of the base layer, a distance between a mesh
portion adjacent to the second light emitting portion among the
first, second, third, and fourth mesh portions and the light
emitting area is smaller than a distance between another mesh
portion adjacent to the first light emitting portion among the
first, second, third, and fourth mesh portions and the light
emitting area.
17. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the light emitting
area comprises a first light emitting area and a second light
emitting area emitting a light having a same color as a color of a
light emitted from the first light emitting area, the opening
comprises a first opening surrounding the first light emitting area
and a second opening surrounding the second light emitting area,
and when viewed in a thickness direction of the base layer, a
position of the first light emitting area with respect to the first
opening is different from a position of the second light emitting
area with respect to the second opening.
18. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the first sensing
pattern further comprises: a plurality of mesh portions that
defines the first opening, wherein a width of a portion of the
plurality of mesh portions is different from a width of another
portion of the plurality of mesh portions.
19. An electronic device, comprising: a first sensing pattern
comprising a first mesh pattern in which a disconnection portion is
defined; and a second sensing pattern spaced apart from the first
sensing pattern and comprising a second mesh pattern, wherein a
first end of the first mesh pattern facing the second sensing
pattern has a shape different from a shape of a second end of the
first mesh pattern defining the disconnection portion.
20. The electronic device of claim 19, further comprising: a dummy
pattern disposed between the first sensing pattern and the second
sensing pattern, wherein a third end of the first mesh pattern
facing the dummy pattern has a shape different from the shape of
the first end.
21. An electronic device, comprising: a substrate; a display layer
disposed on the substrate and comprising a first electrode, a pixel
definition layer disposed on a first portion of the first
electrode, a light emitting layer disposed on a second portion of
the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the light
emitting layer and the pixel definition layer, wherein the light
emitting layer comprises a first light emitting portion including a
substantially flat upper surface and a second light emitting
portion that protrudes in a direction from the first light emitting
portion toward the substrate; and a sensing pattern disposed on the
display layer, wherein the pixel definition layer comprises a
pixel-defining opening exposing the second portion of the first
electrode, wherein the sensing pattern comprises an opening defined
therein corresponding to the pixel-defining opening, and a
plurality of mesh portions surrounding the opening, wherein, when
viewed in a thickness direction of the display layer, a distance
between a first mesh portion adjacent to the first light emitting
portion among the plurality of mesh portions and the second portion
of the first electrode is greater than a distance between a second
mesh portion adjacent to the second light emitting portion among
the plurality of mesh portions and the second portion of the first
electrode, and wherein an area of the second light emitting portion
is smaller than an area of the first light emitting portion.
22. The electronic device of claim 21, wherein the second mesh
portion has a width greater than a width of the first mesh
portion.
23. The electronic device of claim 21, wherein the sensing pattern
further comprises: a first mesh line having a first end; and a
second mesh line having a second end having a shape different from
the first end.
24. An electronic device, comprising: a display layer comprising a
first light emitting area, a second light emitting area spaced
apart from the first light emitting area in a first direction, and
a third light emitting area spaced apart from the first light
emitting area in a second direction crossing the first direction;
and a sensing pattern disposed on the display layer, wherein the
first light emitting area, the second light emitting area, and the
third light emitting area emit a light having a same color as each
other, wherein the sensing pattern comprises a first opening
defined therein and overlapping the first light emitting area, a
second opening defined therein and overlapping the second light
emitting area, and a third opening defined therein and overlapping
the third light emitting area, wherein, when viewed in a thickness
direction of the display layer, a position of the first light
emitting area with respect to the first opening, a position of the
second light emitting area with respect to the second opening, and
a position of the third light emitting area with respect to the
third opening are different from each other.
25. The electronic device of claim 24, wherein the sensing pattern
comprises: a plurality of mesh portions that defines the first
opening, and a width of a portion of the plurality of mesh portions
is different from a width of another portion of the plurality of
mesh portions.
26. The electronic device of claim 24, wherein the sensing pattern
comprises: a first mesh line comprising a first end; and a second
mesh line comprising a second end having a shape different from the
first end.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to
Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0063700, filed on May 27,
2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an
electronic device capable of sensing an external input.
DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART
An electronic device may be activated in response to electrical
signals. Such an electronic device may include a display layer that
displays images and a sensor layer that senses an input applied
thereto from an outside source, and a variety of electrode patterns
to be activated in response to the electrical signals.
SUMMARY
Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic
device which may have improved repairability, and/or improved
display quality.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic
device including a base layer, a first sensing pattern disposed on
the base layer and including a plurality of first mesh lines, a
second sensing pattern disposed on the base layer and spaced apart
from the first sensing pattern, a first sensing line electrically
connected to the first sensing pattern, and a second sensing line
electrically connected to the second sensing pattern. Each of the
plurality of first mesh lines includes at least one of a first end
and a second end having a shape different from a shape of the first
end, the first end directly faces the second sensing pattern, and
the second end is spaced apart from the second sensing pattern.
In an example embodiment, the electronic device further includes a
dummy pattern disposed on the base layer and disposed between the
first sensing pattern and the second sensing pattern, and the
second end is spaced apart from the second sensing pattern with the
dummy pattern interposed therebetween.
In an example embodiment, the second end of one first mesh line
among the plurality of first mesh lines directly faces another
first mesh line among the plurality of first mesh lines.
In an example embodiment, the first end includes a plurality of
first side edges extending substantially parallel to each other and
a first connection edge connecting the plurality of first side
edges, the second end includes a plurality of second side edges
extending substantially parallel to each other and a second
connection edge connecting the plurality of second side edges, and
the first connection edge has a length different from a length of
the second connection edge.
In an example embodiment, an angle between one first side edge
among the plurality of first side edges and the first connection
edge is different from an angle between one second side edge among
the plurality of second side edges and the second connection
edge.
In an example embodiment, one edge of the first connection edge and
the second connection edge is a substantially straight line, and
the other edge of the first connection edge and the second
connection edge is a curved line.
In an example embodiment, one edge of the first connection edge and
the second connection edge includes at least two substantially
straight lines, and the other edge of the first connection edge and
the second connection edge includes one substantially straight line
or one curved line.
In an example embodiment, the second sensing pattern includes a
mesh portion, the plurality of first mesh lines extends in a first
direction, the mesh portion extends in a second direction crossing
the first direction, and the mesh portion faces the first end.
In an example embodiment, the second sensing pattern includes a
plurality of second mesh lines extending in a same direction as the
plurality of first mesh lines, each of the plurality of second mesh
lines includes at least one of a third end and a fourth end having
a shape different from a shape of the third end, the third end
faces the first end, and the fourth end is spaced apart from the
first sensing pattern.
In an example embodiment, the first end and the third end have a
substantially same shape as each other.
In an example embodiment, the third end has a shape corresponding
to a shape of the first end.
In an example embodiment, the plurality of first mesh lines have
widths that are the same as each other.
In an example embodiment, the electronic device further includes a
display layer disposed under the base layer and a light emitting
area defined therein, and the first sensing pattern includes an
opening defined therein and overlapping the light emitting
area.
In an example embodiment, the first sensing pattern includes a
first mesh portion defining the opening, a second mesh portion
spaced apart from the first mesh portion, a third mesh portion
connected to the first mesh portion and the second mesh portion,
and a fourth mesh portion spaced apart from the third mesh portion
and connected to the first and second mesh portions. The first,
second, third, and fourth mesh portions are spaced apart from the
light emitting area when viewed in a thickness direction of the
base layer.
In an example embodiment, the light emitting area includes a first
light emitting portion and a second light emitting portion concaved
from the first light emitting portion in a direction away from the
base layer, and a width of a mesh portion adjacent to the second
light emitting portion among the first, second, third, and fourth
mesh portions is greater than a width of a mesh portion adjacent to
the first light emitting portion among the first, second, third,
and fourth mesh portions.
In an example embodiment, the light emitting area includes a first
light emitting portion and a second light emitting portion inclined
from the first light emitting portion in a direction away from the
base layer, and when viewed in the thickness direction of the base
layer, a distance between a mesh portion adjacent to the second
light emitting portion among the first, second, third, and fourth
mesh portions and the light emitting area is smaller than a
distance between a mesh portion adjacent to the first light
emitting portion among the first, second, third, and fourth mesh
portions and the light emitting area.
In an example embodiment, the light emitting area includes a first
light emitting area and a second light emitting area emitting a
light having a same color as a color of a light emitted from the
first light emitting area, the opening includes a first opening
surrounding the first light emitting area and a second opening
surrounding the second light emitting area, and when viewed in a
thickness direction of the base layer, a position of the first
light emitting area with respect to the first opening is different
from a position of the second light emitting area with respect to
the second opening.
In an example embodiment, the first sensing pattern further
includes a plurality of mesh portions that defines the first
opening, and a width of a portion of the plurality of mesh portions
is different from a width of another portion of the plurality of
mesh portions.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic
device including a first sensing pattern including a first mesh
pattern in which a disconnection portion is defined, and a second
sensing pattern spaced apart from the first sensing pattern and
including a second mesh pattern. A first end of the first mesh
pattern facing the second sensing pattern has a shape different
from a shape of a second end of the first mesh pattern defining the
disconnection portion.
In an example embodiment, the electronic device further includes a
dummy pattern disposed between the first sensing pattern and the
second sensing pattern, and a third end of the first mesh pattern
facing the dummy pattern has a shape different from the shape of
the first end.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic
device including a display layer including a light emitting area
including a first light emitting portion and a second light
emitting portion inclined from the first light emitting portion,
and a sensing pattern disposed on the display layer, provided with
an opening defined therein to correspond to the light emitting
area, and including a plurality of mesh portions surrounding the
opening. When viewed in a thickness direction of the display layer,
a distance between a first mesh portion adjacent to the first light
emitting portion among the plurality of mesh portions and the light
emitting area is greater than a distance between a second mesh
portion adjacent to the second light emitting portion among the
plurality of mesh portions and the light emitting area.
In an example embodiment, the first mesh portion has a width
greater than a width of the second mesh portion.
In an example embodiment, the sensing pattern further includes a
first mesh line having a first end and a second mesh line having a
second end having a shape different from the first end.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic
device including a display layer including a first light emitting
area and a second light emitting area emitting a light having a
same color as a color of a light emitted from the first light
emitting area and a sensing pattern disposed on the display layer
and provided with a first opening defined therein to overlap the
first light emitting area, and a second opening defined therein to
overlap the second light emitting area. When viewed in a thickness
direction of the display layer, a position of the first light
emitting area with respect to the first opening is different from a
position of the second light emitting area with respect to the
second opening.
In an example embodiment, the sensing pattern includes a plurality
of mesh portions that defines the first opening, and a width of a
portion of the plurality of mesh portions is different from a width
of another portion of the plurality of mesh portions.
In an example embodiment, the sensing pattern includes a first mesh
line including a first end and a second mesh line including a
second end having a shape different from the first end.
According to example embodiments of the present disclosure as
described above, the mesh line, which defines the disconnection
portion, has a shape divided into a portion that is manifested as
defects and a portion that is not manifested as defects when the
disconnection portion is short-circuited, and the portions are
implemented to have different shapes from each other. Accordingly,
when the disconnection occurs in a specific area, it is determined
whether the specific area requires the repair process to be
performed. That is, according to example embodiments, the repair
process is performed only in an area that requires the repair
process, and thus, a manufacturing yield of the electronic device
may be increased, since the repair process is not performed in
another area(s) that does not require the repair process. In
addition, according to example embodiments, when the portion that
does not require the repair process is short-circuited, the repair
process is not performed.
In addition, as described above, according to example embodiments
of the present disclosure, the width of the mesh portions of the
mesh line or the distance between the mesh portions and the light
emitting area are adjusted in a manner that may improve display
quality. As the width of the mesh portions and the distance between
the mesh portions and the light emitting area are adjusted to
prevent, reduce or remove a phenomenon in which color coordinate
distortion is generated in a specific direction, a white angle
difference (WAD) characteristic may be improved, and an electronic
device with improved display quality may be provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other features of the present disclosure will become
readily apparent by describing in detail example embodiments
thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic device according
to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a sensor layer according to an
example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5A is an enlarged plan view showing an area AA' of FIG. 4
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5B is an enlarged plan view showing an area AA' of FIG. 4
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5C is an enlarged plan view showing an area AA' of FIG. 4
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5D is an enlarged plan view showing an area AA' of FIG. 4
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view showing an area BB' of FIG. 4
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7A is an enlarged plan view showing a sensor layer according
to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7B is an enlarged plan view showing a sensor layer according
to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a sensor layer according to an
example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view showing an area CC' of FIG. 8
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a plan view showing some components of an electronic
device according to an example embodiment of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing some components of an electronic
device according to an example embodiment of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing some components of an electronic
device according to an example embodiment of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 14 is a plan view showing some components of an electronic
device according to an example embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described
more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout the
accompanying drawings.
It will be understood that when a component such as a film, a
region, a layer, or an element, is referred to as being "on",
"connected to", "coupled to", or "adjacent to" another component,
it can be directly on, connected, coupled, or adjacent to the other
component, or intervening components may be present. It will also
be understood that when a component is referred to as being
"between" two components, it can be the only component between the
two components, or one or more intervening components may also be
present. It will also be understood that when a component is
referred to as "covering" another component, it can be the only
component covering the other component, or one or more intervening
components may also be covering the other component. Other words
used to describe the relationship between components should be
interpreted in a like fashion.
As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations
of one or more of the associated listed items.
It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second",
etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components,
regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components,
regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these
terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element,
component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or
section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section
discussed below could be termed a second element, component,
region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of
the present disclosure.
As used herein, the singular forms, "a", "an" and "the" are
intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context
clearly indicates otherwise.
Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower",
"above", "upper" etc., may be used herein for ease of description
to describe one element or feature's relationship to another
element(s) or feature(s) as shown in the figures.
It will be further understood that the terms "includes" and/or
"including", when used in this specification, specify the presence
of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or
components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or
more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
components, and/or groups thereof.
It should be understood that descriptions of features or aspects
within each example embodiment should typically be considered as
available for other similar features or aspects in other example
embodiments, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Herein, when two or more elements or values are described as being
substantially the same as or about equal to each other, it is to be
understood that the elements or values are identical to each other,
indistinguishable from each other, or distinguishable from each
other but functionally the same as each other as would be
understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. It will be
further understood that when two components or directions are
described as extending substantially parallel or perpendicular to
each other, the two components or directions extend exactly
parallel or perpendicular to each other, or extend approximately
parallel or perpendicular to each other within a measurement error
as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the
art. It will be further understood that when a component is
described as being substantially straight, the component may be
exactly straight, or approximately straight within a measurement
error as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in
the art. Further, it is to be understood that while parameters may
be described herein as having "about" a certain value, according to
example embodiments, the parameter may be exactly the certain value
or approximately the certain value within a measurement error as
would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art.
Other uses of the terms "substantially" and "about" should be
interpreted in a like fashion.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an electronic device according
to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device 1000 may be a device
activated in response to electrical signals. For example, the
electronic device 1000 may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a
car navigation unit, a game unit, or a wearable device. However,
the electronic device 1000 is not limited thereto. Referring to
FIG. 1, a mobile phone will be described as a representative
example of the electronic device 1000.
The electronic device 1000 displays an image through an active area
1000A. The active area 1000A may include a plane defined by a first
direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The active area 1000A may
further include curved surfaces bent from at least two sides of the
plane. However, the shape of the active area 1000A is not limited
thereto. For example, according to example embodiments, the active
area 1000A may include only the plane, or the active area 1000A may
further include two or more curved surfaces, e.g., four curved
surfaces respectively bent from four sides of the plane.
A thickness direction of the electronic device 1000 may correspond
to a third direction DR3 crossing the first direction DR1 and the
second direction DR2. Accordingly, front (or upper) and rear (or
lower) surfaces of each member of the electronic device 1000 may be
defined with respect to the third direction DR3.
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing the electronic device
1000 according to an example embodiment of the present
disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 2A, the electronic device 1000 may include a
display layer 100 and a sensor layer 200.
The display layer 100 may have a configuration that substantially
displays the image. The display layer 100 may be a light emitting
type display layer. For example, the display layer 100 may be an
organic light emitting display layer, a quantum dot light emitting
display layer, or a micro-LED display layer. However, the display
layer 100 is not limited thereto.
The display layer 100 may include a base layer 110, a circuit layer
120, a light emitting element layer 130, and an encapsulation layer
140.
The base layer 110 may be a member that provides a base surface on
which the circuit layer 120 is disposed. The base layer 110 may be,
for example, a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a polymer
substrate. However, the base layer 110 is not limited thereto. For
example, according to example embodiments, the base layer 110 may
be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material
layer.
The base layer 110 may have a multi-layer structure. For example,
the base layer 110 may have a three-layer structure of a synthetic
resin layer, an adhesive layer, and a synthetic resin layer. The
synthetic resin layer may include a polyimide-based resin. In
addition, the synthetic resin layer may include, for example, at
least one of an acrylic-based resin, a methacrylic-based resin, a
polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based
resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a
siloxane-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based
resin. In the present disclosure, the term "X-based resin" refers
to a resin that includes a functional group of X.
The circuit layer 120 may be disposed on the base layer 110. The
circuit layer 120 may include, for example, an insulating layer, a
semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and a signal line. An
insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer may
be formed on the base layer 110 by, for example, a coating or
depositing process. Then, the insulating layer, the semiconductor
layer, and the conductive layer may be selectively patterned
through several photolithography processes. The semiconductor
pattern, the conductive pattern, and the signal line included in
the circuit layer 120 may be formed.
The light emitting element layer 130 may be disposed on the circuit
layer 120. The light emitting element layer 130 may include the
light emitting element. For example, the light emitting element
layer 130 may include an organic light emitting material, a quantum
dot, a quantum rod, or a micro-LED.
The encapsulation layer 140 may be disposed on the light emitting
element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 may include, for
example, an inorganic layer, an organic layer, and an inorganic
layer, which are sequentially stacked. However, the layers of the
encapsulation layer 140 are not limited thereto.
The inorganic layers may protect the light emitting element layer
130 from, for example, moisture and oxygen, and the organic layer
may protect the light emitting element layer 130 from a foreign
substance such as, for example, dust particles. The inorganic
layers may include, for example, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon
oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or
an aluminum oxide layer. The organic layer may include, for
example, an acrylic-based organic layer. However, the present
disclosure is not limited thereto.
The sensor layer 200 may be disposed on the display layer 100. The
sensor layer 200 may sense an external input applied thereto from
an outside source. For example, the external input may be a user's
input. The user input may include a variety of external inputs such
as, for example, a part of user's body, light, heat, a pen, or
pressure.
The sensor layer 200 may be formed on the display layer 100 through
successive processes. In this case, the sensor layer 200 may be
described as being disposed directly on the display layer 100. In
the present disclosure, the expression "the sensor layer 200 is
disposed directly on the display layer 100" means that no
intervening elements are present between the sensor layer 200 and
the display layer 100. That is, in this case, according to example
embodiments, a separate adhesive member is not disposed between the
sensor layer 200 and the display layer 100.
Alternatively, in an example embodiment, the sensor layer 200 may
be combined with the display layer 100 by an adhesive member. The
adhesive member may include an ordinary adhesive.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device
1000-1 according to an example embodiment of the present
disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 2B, in an example embodiment, the electronic
device 1000-1 may further include an anti-reflective layer 300.
For convenience of explanation, to the extent that a further
description of elements and technical aspects is omitted, it may be
assumed that these elements and technical aspects are at least
similar to corresponding elements and technical aspects that have
been described elsewhere in the present disclosure.
The anti-reflective layer 300 may reduce reflectance of an external
light incident to the electronic device 1000-1 from an outside
source.
The anti-reflective layer 300 may be disposed on the sensor layer
200. However, the position of the anti-reflective layer 300 is not
limited thereto. For example, in an example embodiment, the
anti-reflective layer 300 may be disposed between the sensor layer
200 and the display layer 100.
According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the
anti-reflective layer 300 may include color filters. The color
filters may be arranged in a predetermined arrangement. The
arrangement of the color filters may be determined by taking into
account colors of light emitted from pixels included in the display
layer 100. In addition, the anti-reflective layer 300 may further
include a black matrix adjacent to the color filters.
According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the
anti-reflective layer 300 may include a destructive interference
structure. For example, the destructive interference structure may
include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer
disposed on a layer different from a layer on which the first
reflective layer is disposed. A first reflective light and a second
reflective light, which are respectively reflected from the first
reflective layer and the second reflective layer, may destructively
interfere with each other, and thus, the reflectance of the
external light may be reduced.
The anti-reflective layer 300 may include a stretching type
synthetic resin film. For example, the anti-reflective layer 300
may be provided by dyeing an iodine compound on a polyvinyl alcohol
film (PVA film).
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the electronic device 1000
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 3, in an example embodiment, the display layer
100 disposed below the base layer 201 of the sensor layer 200.
The display layer 100 may include, for example, a plurality of
insulating layers, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern,
and a signal line. An insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and
a conductive layer may be formed by, for example, a coating or
depositing process. Then, the insulating layer, the semiconductor
layer, and the conductive layer may be selectively patterned by a
photolithography process. The semiconductor pattern, the conductive
pattern, and the signal line included in the circuit layer 120 and
the light emitting element layer 130 may be formed through the
above-described processes. Then, the encapsulation layer 140 that
covers the light emitting element layer 130 may be formed.
At least one inorganic layer may be formed on an upper surface of
the base layer 110. The inorganic layer may include at least one
of, for example, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide,
silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium
oxide. The inorganic layer may be formed in multiple layers. The
inorganic layers may form a barrier layer and/or a buffer layer. In
an example embodiment, the display layer 100 may include a buffer
layer BFL.
The buffer layer BFL may increase a coupling force between the base
layer 110 and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer BFL may
include, for example, a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride
layer, and the silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer
may be alternately stacked with each other.
The semiconductor pattern may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL.
The semiconductor pattern may include polysilicon. However, the
semiconductor pattern is not limited thereto. For example,
according to example embodiments, the semiconductor pattern may
include amorphous silicon or an oxide semiconductor.
FIG. 3 shows only a portion of the semiconductor pattern. It is to
be understood that the semiconductor pattern may be further
disposed in other areas. The semiconductor pattern may be arranged
with a specific rule over the pixels. The semiconductor pattern may
have different electrical properties depending on whether it is
doped. The semiconductor pattern may include a first region having
high conductivity and a second region having low conductivity. The
first region may be doped with an n-type dopant or a p-type dopant.
A p-type transistor may include a doped region doped with the
p-type dopant, and an n-type transistor may include a doped region
doped with the n-type dopant. The second region may be a non-doped
region or a region doped with a lower concentration than the first
region. The doped region may have a conductivity greater than that
of the non-doped region and may substantially serve as an electrode
or signal line. The non-doped region may substantially correspond
to an active region (or channel) of the transistor. For example, a
portion of the semiconductor pattern may be the active region of
the transistor, another portion of the semiconductor pattern may be
a source or a drain of the transistor, and the other portion of the
semiconductor pattern may be a connection electrode or a connection
signal line.
Each of the pixels may have an equivalent circuit that includes
seven transistors, one capacitor, and a light emitting element, and
the equivalent circuit may be changed in various ways. FIG. 3 shows
one transistor 100PC and the light emitting element 100PE included
in the pixel.
A source S1 an active region A1 and a drain D1 of the transistor
100PC may be formed from the semiconductor pattern. The source S1
and the drain D1 may extend in opposite directions to each other
from the active region A1 in a cross-section. FIG. 3 shows a
portion of a connection signal line SCL formed from the
semiconductor pattern. The connection signal line SCL may be
electrically connected to the drain D1 of the transistor 100PC in a
plane.
A first insulating layer 10 may be disposed on the buffer layer
BFL. The first insulating layer 10 may commonly overlap the pixels
and may cover the semiconductor pattern. The first insulating layer
10 may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer, and may have
a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer
10 may include at least one of, for example, aluminum oxide,
titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride,
zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. In an example embodiment, the
first insulating layer 10 may have a single-layer structure of a
silicon oxide layer. Not only the first insulating layer 10, but
also an insulating layer of the circuit layer 120 described later
may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic layer, and may have a
single-layer or multi-layer structure. The inorganic layer may
include at least one of the above-described materials. However, the
inorganic layer is not limited thereto.
A gate G1 of the transistor 100PC may be disposed on the first
insulating layer 10. The gate G1 may be a portion of a metal
pattern. The gate G1 may overlap the active region A1. The gate G1
may be used as a mask in a process of doping the semiconductor
pattern.
A second insulating layer 20 may be disposed on the first
insulating layer 10 and may cover the gate G1. The second
insulating layer 20 may commonly overlap the pixels. The second
insulating layer 20 may be an inorganic layer and/or an organic
layer, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. In an
example embodiment, the second insulating layer 20 may have a
single-layer structure of a silicon oxide layer.
A third insulating layer 30 may be disposed on the second
insulating layer 20. In an example embodiment, the third insulating
layer 30 may have a single-layer structure of a silicon oxide layer
or a silicon nitride layer.
A first connection electrode CNE1 may be disposed on the third
insulating layer 30. The first connection electrode CNE1 may be
connected to the connection signal line SCL through a contact hole
CNT-1 defined through the first insulating layer 10, the second
insulating layer 20, and the third insulating layer 30.
A fourth insulating layer 40 may be disposed on the third
insulating layer 30. The fourth insulating layer 40 may have a
single-layer structure of a silicon oxide layer. A fifth insulating
layer 50 may be disposed on the fourth insulating layer 40. The
fifth insulating layer 50 may be an organic layer.
A second connection electrode CNE2 may be disposed on the fifth
insulating layer 50. The second connection electrode CNE2 may be
connected to the first connection electrode CNE1 through a contact
hole CNT-2 defined through the fourth insulating layer 40 and the
fifth insulating layer 50.
A sixth insulating layer 60 may be disposed on the fifth insulating
layer 50 and may cover the second connection electrode CNE2. The
sixth insulating layer 60 may be an organic layer.
The light emitting element layer 130 including the light emitting
element 100PE may be disposed on the circuit layer 120. The light
emitting element 100PE may include a first electrode AE, a light
emitting layer EL, and a second electrode CE.
The first electrode AE may be disposed on the sixth insulating
layer 60. The first electrode AE may be connected to the second
connection electrode CNE2 through a contact hole CNT-3 defined
through the sixth insulating layer 60.
A pixel definition layer 70 may be disposed on the sixth insulating
layer 60 and may cover a portion of the first electrode AE. An
opening 70-OP may be defined through the pixel definition layer 70.
At least a portion of the first electrode AE may be exposed through
the opening 70-OP of the pixel definition layer 70.
As shown in FIG. 3, the active area 1000A (refer to FIG. 1) may
include a light emitting area PXA and a non-light-emitting area
NPXA disposed adjacent to the light emitting area PXA. The
non-light-emitting area NPXA may surround the light emitting area
PXA. In an example embodiment, the light emitting area PXA may be
defined to correspond to the portion of the first electrode AE
exposed through the opening 70-OP.
The light emitting layer EL may be disposed on the first electrode
AE. The light emitting layer EL may be disposed in an area
corresponding to the opening 70-OP. That is, the light emitting
layer EL may be formed in each of the pixels after being divided
into a plurality of portions. When the light emitting layer EL is
formed in each of the pixels after being divided into a plurality
of portions, each of the light emitting layers EL may emit a light
having at least one of blue, red, and green colors. However, the
present disclosure is not limited thereto. The light emitting layer
EL may be connected to the pixels and may be commonly provided. In
this case, the light emitting layer EL may provide a blue light or
a white light.
The second electrode CE may be disposed on the light emitting layer
EL. The second electrode CE may have an integral shape and may be
commonly disposed over the pixels.
In an example embodiment, a hole control layer may be disposed
between the first electrode AE and the light emitting layer EL. The
hole control layer may be commonly disposed in the light emitting
area PXA and the non-light-emitting area NPXA. The hole control
layer may include a hole transport layer and may further include a
hole injection layer. An electron control layer may be disposed
between the light emitting layer EL and the second electrode CE.
The electron control layer may include an electron transport layer
and may further include an electron injection layer. The hole
control layer and the electron control layer may be commonly formed
in the plurality of pixels using, for example, an open mask.
The encapsulation layer 140 may be disposed on the light emitting
element layer 130. The encapsulation layer 140 may protect the
light emitting element layer 130 from, for example, moisture,
oxygen, and foreign substance such as dust particles.
The sensor layer 200 may include a base layer 201, a first
conductive layer 202, a sensing insulating layer 203, a second
conductive layer 204, and a cover insulating layer 205.
In an example embodiment, the base layer 201 may be an inorganic
layer including one of, for example, silicon nitride, silicon
oxynitride, and silicon oxide. In an example embodiment, the base
layer 201 may be an organic layer including, for example, an
epoxy-based resin, an acrylic-based resin, or an imide-based resin.
The base layer 201 may have a single-layer structure or a
multi-layer structure of layers stacked in the third direction
DR3.
The first conductive layer 202 and the second conductive layer 204
may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure of
layers stacked in the third direction DR3.
The conductive layer having the single-layer structure may include
a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer
may include, for example, molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper,
aluminum, or alloys thereof. The transparent conductive layer may
include a transparent conductive oxide such as, for example, indium
tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium
zinc tin oxide (ITZO), etc. In addition, the transparent conductive
layer may include a conductive polymer such as, for example,
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), metal nanowire, graphene,
etc.
The conductive layer having the multi-layer structure may include
metal layers. The metal layers may have a three-layer structure of
titanium/aluminum/titanium. The conductive layer having the
multi-layer structure may include at least one metal layer and at
least one transparent conductive layer.
The sensor layer 200 may obtain information about the external
input based on a variation in mutual capacitance or a variation in
self-capacitance. For example, the sensor layer 200 may include
sensing patterns and bridge patterns. At least a portion of the
sensing patterns and the bridge patterns may be included in the
first conductive layer 202, and at least a portion of the sensing
patterns and the bridge patterns may be included in the second
conductive layer 204.
At least one of the sensing insulating layer 203 and the cover
insulating layer 205 may include an inorganic layer. The inorganic
layer may include at least one of, for example, aluminum oxide,
titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride,
zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.
At least one of the sensing insulating layer 203 and the cover
insulating layer 205 may include an organic layer. The organic
layer may include at least one of, for example, an acrylic-based
resin, a methacrylic-based resin, a polyisoprene, a vinyl-based
resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a
cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyimide-based
resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the sensor layer 200 according to an
example embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 4, the sensor layer 200 may sense the external
input applied thereto from an outside source. The external input
may be the user's input. As described above, the user input may
include a variety of external inputs such as, for example, a part
of a user's body, light, heat, a pen, or pressure. The sensor layer
200 may include a sensing area 200A and a peripheral area 200N,
which are defined in the sensor layer 200. The sensing area 200A
may be activated in response to an electrical signal. For example,
the sensing area 200A may be an area in which the input is sensed.
The peripheral area 200N may surround the sensing area 200A.
The sensor layer 200 may include a plurality of first sensing
electrodes 210, a plurality of second sensing electrodes 220, a
plurality of first sensing lines 231, a plurality of second sensing
lines 232, and a plurality of sensing pads 240.
The first sensing electrodes 210 and the second sensing electrodes
220 may be disposed in the sensing area 200A. The sensor layer 200
may obtain information about the external input based on a
variation in mutual capacitance between the first sensing
electrodes 210 and the second sensing electrodes 220.
Each of the first sensing electrodes 210 may extend in the first
direction DR1. The first sensing electrodes 210 may be arranged in
the second direction DR1 to be spaced apart from each other. Each
of the second sensing electrodes 220 may extend in the second
direction DR2 and may be arranged in the first direction DR1 to be
spaced apart from each other. The first sensing electrodes 210 and
the second sensing electrodes 220 may cross each other.
Each of the first sensing electrodes 210 may include a plurality of
first portions 211 and a second portion 212 disposed between the
first portions 211 adjacent to each other among the first portions
211. The first portions 211 may be referred to as first sensing
patterns or sensing portions, and the second portion 212 may be
referred to as a "connection portion" or a "crossing portion."
The first portions 211 and the second portion 212 may be connected
to each other to have an integral shape. Accordingly, the second
portion 212 may be defined as a portion of the first sensing
electrode 210 crossing the second sensing electrode 220. The first
portions 211 and the second portion 212 may be disposed on the same
layer as each other.
Each of the second sensing electrodes 220 may include a plurality
of sensing patterns 221 and a bridge pattern 222 electrically
connected to two sensing patterns 221 adjacent to each other among
the sensing patterns 221. The sensing patterns 221 and the bridge
pattern 222 may be disposed on different layers from each other.
FIG. 4 shows two bridge patterns 222 that connect two sensing
patterns 221 as a representative example. However, the present
disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, according to
example embodiments, the number of the bridge patterns 222 may be
one or three or more.
The first portions 211 and the second portion 212 may be disposed
on the same layer as the sensing patterns 221. The layer on which
the bridge pattern 222 is disposed may be different from the layer
on which the first portions 211, the second portion 212, and the
sensing patterns 221 are disposed. For example, the bridge pattern
222 may be included in the first conductive layer 202 (refer to
FIG. 3), and the first portions 211, the second portion 212, and
the sensing patterns 221 may be included in the second conductive
layer 204 (refer to FIG. 3). However, the present disclosure is not
limited thereto, as long as the bridge pattern 222 and the second
portion 212 are disposed on different layers from each other.
Each of the first sensing electrodes 210 and the second sensing
electrodes 220 may be electrically connected to a corresponding
sensing line among the first sensing lines 231 and the second
sensing lines 232. For example, one first sensing electrode 210 may
be connected to one first sensing line 231, and one second sensing
electrode 220 may be electrically connected to one second sensing
line 232. However, the connection relationship between the first or
second sensing lines 231 and 232 and the first and second sensing
electrodes 210 and 220 is not limited thereto. For example, in an
example embodiment, one first sensing electrode 210 may be
connected to two first sensing lines 231, one first sensing line
231 may be electrically connected to one end of the first sensing
electrode 210, and another first sensing line 231 may be
electrically connected to the other end of the first sensing
electrode 210.
The sensing pads 240 may be electrically connected to the first and
second sensing lines 231 and 232, respectively. The sensing pads
240 may include first sensing pads 241 electrically connected to
the first sensing lines 231, respectively, and second sensing pads
242 electrically connected to the second sensing lines 232,
respectively.
FIG. 5A is an enlarged plan view showing an area AA' of FIG. 4
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5A shows an enlarged view of an area where the first sensing
pattern 211 of the first sensing electrode 210 and the second
sensing pattern 221 of the second sensing electrode 220 are
adjacent to each other. Hereinafter, the first portions 211 of the
first sensing electrodes 210 will be referred to as first sensing
patterns, and the sensing patterns 221 of the second sensing
electrodes 220 will be referred to as second sensing patterns.
Each of the first sensing patterns 211 and the second sensing
patterns 221 may have a mesh (or lattice, or net) structure. The
sensor layer 200 may be disposed directly on the display layer 100
(refer to FIG. 3). In this case, a gap between the sensor layer 200
and the second electrode CE (refer to FIG. 3) of the display layer
100 (refer to FIG. 3) may be reduced. According to an example
embodiment of the present disclosure, since each of the first
sensing pattern 211 and the second sensing pattern 221 has the mesh
structure, a base capacitance caused by a parasitic capacitance
between the first sensing electrodes 210 and the second electrode
CE (refer to FIG. 3) and a base capacitance caused by a parasitic
capacitance between the second sensing electrodes 220 and the
second electrode CE (refer to FIG. 3) may be further reduced
compared to when the first sensing pattern 211 and the second
sensing pattern 221 are integrally formed as a single unitary
electrode. Accordingly, as each of the first sensing pattern 211
and the second sensing pattern 221 has the mesh structure, a touch
sensitivity of the sensor layer 200 may be improved.
The first sensing pattern 211 may include a first mesh pattern
211MP and an opening 2110P defined by the first mesh pattern 211MP.
The second sensing pattern 221 may include a second mesh pattern
221MP and an opening 2210P defined by the second mesh pattern
221MP.
The first mesh pattern 211MP may include a first mesh line 211M1
and a first cross-mesh line 211M2, and the second mesh pattern
221MP may include a second mesh line 221M1 and a second cross-mesh
line 221M2. The first mesh line 211M1 and the second mesh line
221M1 may extend in the same direction. For example, the first mesh
line 211M1 and the second mesh line 221M1 may extend in a fourth
direction DR4. The first cross-mesh line 211M2 and the second
cross-mesh line 221M2 may extend in a same direction crossing the
first mesh line 211M1 and the second mesh line 221M1. For example,
the first cross-mesh line 211M2 and the second cross-mesh line
221M2 may extend in a fifth direction DR5.
The fourth direction DR4 and the fifth direction DR5 may be defined
on the plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second
direction DR2. The fourth direction DR4 may cross the first and
second directions DR1 and DR2. However, the present disclosure is
not limited thereto. For example, according to example embodiments,
the fourth direction DR4 may be the same direction as the first
direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. The fifth direction DR5
may cross the fourth direction DR4. However, the fifth direction
DR5 is not limited thereto, as long as the fifth direction DR5 is
different from the fourth direction DR4. For example, the fifth
direction DR5 may be a direction that forms an angle greater than
about 0 degrees and smaller than about 180 degrees with the fourth
direction DR4.
According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the
shape of the mesh line, which defines a disconnection portion, may
be defined by a portion that is manifested as defects and a portion
that is not manifested as defects when the disconnection portion is
short-circuited, and the portions may be implemented to have
different shapes from each other. Accordingly, when the
disconnection occurs in a specific area, a repair process may be
performed by determining whether the specific area is an area where
the repair process is required. That is, since the repair process
may be performed only in the area that requires the repair process,
a manufacturing yield of the electronic device 1000 (refer to FIG.
1) may be increased, since the repair process is not additionally
performed in another area(s) that does not require the repair
process. In addition, in an example embodiment, the repair process
may be omitted when the disconnection occurs only in an area that
does not require the repair process.
For example, the first sensing pattern 211 and the second sensing
pattern 221 may be components that are required to be electrically
insulated from each other for proper operation of the sensor layer
200. The first sensing pattern 211 may be electrically connected to
the first sensing line 231 (refer to FIG. 4), and the second
sensing pattern 221 may be electrically connected to the second
sensing line 232 (refer to FIG. 4). Accordingly, the first sensing
pattern 211 and the second sensing pattern 221 may transmit,
receive, or transceive different electrical signals from each
other. Thus, when the disconnection portion that defines a boundary
between the first sensing pattern 211 and the second sensing
pattern 221 is short-circuited, the repair process is required.
In addition, a disconnection portion OLP (refer to FIG. 6) may be
defined in each of the first sensing pattern 211 and the second
sensing pattern 221. The disconnection portion OLP (refer to FIG.
6) may be additionally provided in the first sensing pattern 211
and the second sensing pattern 221 such that the boundary between
the first sensing pattern 211 and the second sensing pattern 221 is
not visible to a user. The disconnection portion OLP (refer to FIG.
6) may be provided in the first sensing pattern 211 to which one
signal is provided. Accordingly, in example embodiments, although
the disconnection portion OLP (refer to FIG. 6) is short-circuited,
the disconnection portion OLP is not considered as an electrical
defect. Accordingly, in example embodiments, even though the
disconnection portion OLP (refer to FIG. 6) is short-circuited, the
disconnection portion OLP (refer to FIG. 6) does not require the
repair process.
The first mesh line 211M1 may include at least one of a first end
EG1 and a second end EG2. For example, the first mesh line 211M1 is
provided in plural. Some of the plurality of first mesh lines may
include the first end EG1, and the others of the plurality of first
mesh lines may include the first end EG1 and the second end EG2.
The first end EG1 and the second end EG2 may correspond to portions
defined at ends of the first mesh line 211M1 in a direction in
which the first mesh line 211M1 extends. The first end EG1 may be a
portion facing the second sensing pattern 221, and the second end
EG2 may be a portion spaced apart from the second sensing pattern
221.
The first end EG1 may directly face the second sensing pattern 221,
and the second end EG2 may be spaced apart from the second sensing
pattern 221 with another portion of the first mesh line 211M1
interposed therebetween. The expression "the first end EG1 may
directly face the second sensing pattern 221" means that no
conductive material is present between the first end EG1 and the
second sensing pattern 221.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first end EG1 of the first
mesh line 211M1 may directly face a third end EG3 of the second
mesh line 211M1 in the fourth direction DR4 with no conductive
material disposed between the first end EG1 and the third end EG3.
Further, the second end EG2 of the first mesh line 211M1 may be
spaced apart from the second sensing pattern 221, for example, with
a portion of the first mesh line 211M1 other than the second end
EG2 disposed therebetween. Further, the second end EG2 of one first
mesh line 211M1 may directly face another first mesh line 211M1 in
the fourth direction DR4, with no conductive material disposed
therebetween.
The second end EG2 may be defined in the first sensing pattern 211,
and the second end EG2 of the first mesh line 211M1 may directly
face another first mesh line 211M1. In this case, the first mesh
line 211M1 in which the second end EG2 is defined and the another
first mesh line 211M1 may receive the same signal as each other.
For example, the second end EG2 may be the area where the repair
process is not required even though it is short-circuited.
The first end EG1 and the second end EG2 may have different shapes
from each other. Accordingly, when the disconnection occurs in the
first end EG1, the repair process may be performed, and when the
disconnection occurs in the second end EG2, the disconnection may
be ignored.
The first end EG1 may include first side edges SE11 and SE12
extending substantially parallel to each other, and a first
connection edge CE1 connecting the first side edges SE11 and SE12.
An angle between the first side edge SE11 and the first connection
edge CE1 may be greater than about 0 degrees and smaller than about
90 degrees. That is, the first connection edge CE1 may include an
inclination surface inclined with respect to the first side edge
SE11.
The second mesh line 221M1 may include at least one of a third end
EG3 and a fourth end EG4. For example, the second mesh line 221M1
is provided in plural. Some of the plurality of second mesh lines
may include the third end EG3, and the others of the plurality of
second mesh lines may include the third end EG3 and the fourth end
EG4. The third end EG3 and the fourth end EG4 may correspond to
portions defined at ends of the second mesh line 221M1 in a
direction in which the second mesh line 221M1 extends. The third
end EG3 may be a portion facing the first sensing pattern 211, and
the fourth end EG4 may be a portion spaced apart from the first
sensing pattern 211.
The third end EG3 may have substantially the same shape as the
first end EG1. As another way, the third end EG3 may have a shape
corresponding to a shape of the first end EG1. For example, if the
third end EG3 has a convex shape, the first end EG1 may have a
concave shape.
The first end EG1 may face the third end EG3, and a first end EG11
may face a third end EG31 with respect to a boundary between the
first sensing pattern 211 and the second sensing pattern 221. The
first end EG1 and the first end EG11 may be alternately arranged
with each other in the fifth direction DR5, and the third end EG3
and the third end EG31 may be alternately arranged with each other
in the fifth direction DR5. The first end EG1 and the first end
EG11 may have a symmetrical shape based on a reference line
extending in the fourth direction DR4, and the third end EG3 and
the third end EG31 may have a symmetrical shape based on the fourth
direction DR4.
When a short-circuit occurs in a portion in which the first end EG1
and the first end EG11 are alternately arranged with each other and
the third end EG3 and the third end EG31 are alternately arranged
with each other, this may be determined as defects. Thus, according
to example embodiments, defects analysis may become easier to
perform, and the process yield may be increased by repairing the
portion in which the defects occur.
A length LT1 of each of the first ends EG1 and EG11 may be
substantially the same as a length LT2 of each of the third ends
EG3 and EG31. The length LT1 may mean a maximum length of the first
mesh line 211M1 protruding from the first cross-mesh line 211M2
that is closest to each of the first ends EG1 and EG11. The length
LT2 may mean a maximum length of the second mesh line 221M1
protruding from the second cross-mesh line 221M2 that is closest to
each of the third ends EG3 and EG31.
FIG. 5B is an enlarged plan view showing an area AA' of FIG. 4
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
For convenience of explanation, to the extent that a further
description of elements and technical aspects is omitted, it may be
assumed that these elements and technical aspects are at least
similar to corresponding elements and technical aspects that have
been described elsewhere in the present disclosure.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5B, a first mesh line 211M1 may include a
first end EG1 and a second end EG2. The first end EG1 may directly
face the second sensing pattern 221, and the second end EG2 may be
spaced apart from the second sensing pattern 221 with another
portion of the first mesh line 211M1 interposed therebetween. The
first end EG1 and the second end EG2 may have different shapes from
each other. Accordingly, when the disconnection occurs in the first
end EG1, the repair process may be performed, and when the
disconnection occurs in the second end EG2, the disconnection may
be ignored.
A second mesh line 221M1 may include a third end EG3 and a fourth
end EG4. The third end EG3 may face the first sensing pattern 211,
and the fourth end EG4 may be spaced apart from the first sensing
pattern 211. The third end EG3 may have substantially the same
shape as the first end EG1. As another way, the third end EG3 may
have a shape corresponding to a shape of the first end EG1. For
example, if the third end EG3 has a convex shape, the first end EG1
may have a concave shape.
The first end EG1 may face the third end EG3 with respect to a
boundary between the first sensing pattern 211 and the second
sensing pattern 221. The first end EG1 may be repeatedly arranged
in the fifth direction DR5, and the third end EG3 may be repeatedly
arranged in the fifth direction DR5.
When a short-circuit occurs in a portion in which the first end EG1
is repeatedly arranged and the third end EG3 is repeatedly
arranged, this may be determined as defects. Thus, according to
example embodiments, defects analysis may become easier to perform,
and the process yield may be increased by repairing the portion in
which the defects occur.
FIG. 5C is an enlarged plan view showing an area AA' of FIG. 4
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
For convenience of explanation, to the extent that a further
description of elements and technical aspects is omitted, it may be
assumed that these elements and technical aspects are at least
similar to corresponding elements and technical aspects that have
been described elsewhere in the present disclosure.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5C, a first mesh line 211M1 may include a
first end EG1a and a second end EG2. The first end EG1a may
directly face the second sensing pattern 221, and the second end
EG2 may be spaced apart from the second sensing pattern 221 with
another portion of the first mesh line 211M1 interposed
therebetween. The first end EG1a and the second end EG2 may have
different shapes from each other. Accordingly, when the
disconnection occurs in the first end EG1a, the repair process may
be performed, and when the disconnection occurs in the second end
EG2, the disconnection may be ignored.
A second mesh line 221M1 may include a third end EG3a and a fourth
end EG4. The third end EG3a may face the first sensing pattern 211,
and the fourth end EG4 may be spaced apart from the first sensing
pattern 211. The third end EG3a may have substantially the same
shape as the first end EG1a. The first end EG1a and the third end
EG3a may be alternately arranged with each other in the fifth
direction DR5. The first end EG1a may face a second cross-mesh line
221M2 of the second sensing pattern 221 with respect to a boundary
between the first sensing pattern 211 and the second sensing
pattern 221, and the third end EG3a may face a first cross-mesh
line 211M2 of the first sensing pattern 211 with respect to the
boundary between the first sensing pattern 211 and the second
sensing pattern 221. The first end EG1a may directly face a portion
221M2P of the second cross-mesh line 221M2. In a case where the
first end EG1a is electrically connected to the portion 221M2P, the
repair process may be performed on a portion at which the first end
EG1a is electrically connected to the portion 221M2P, and thus, the
first end EG1a may be electrically separated from the portion
221M2P.
FIG. 5D is an enlarged plan view showing an area AA' of FIG. 4
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
For convenience of explanation, to the extent that a further
description of elements and technical aspects is omitted, it may be
assumed that these elements and technical aspects are at least
similar to corresponding elements and technical aspects that have
been described elsewhere in the present disclosure.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5D, a first mesh line 211M1 may include
first ends EG1b and EG11b and a second end EG2. The first ends EG1b
and EG11b may directly face the second sensing pattern 221, and the
second end EG2 may be spaced apart from the second sensing pattern
221 with another portion of the first mesh line 211M1 interposed
therebetween. The first ends EG1b and EG11b and the second end EG2
may have different shapes from each other. Accordingly, when a
disconnection occurs in the first ends EG1b and EG11b, the repair
process may be performed, and when the disconnection occurs in the
second end EG2, the disconnection may be ignored.
A second mesh line 221M1 may include third ends EG3b and EG31b and
a fourth end EG4. The third ends EG3b and EG31b may be portions
facing the first sensing pattern 211, and the fourth end EG4 may be
a portion spaced apart from the first sensing pattern 211. The
third ends EG3b and EG31b may have substantially the same shape as
the first ends EG1b and EG11b.
The first end EG1b may face the third end EG3b with respect to a
boundary between the first sensing pattern 211 and the second
sensing pattern 221, and the first end EG11b may face the third end
EG31b with respect to the boundary between the first sensing
pattern 211 and the second sensing pattern 221. The first end EG1b
and the first end EG11b may be alternately arranged with each other
in the fifth direction DR5, and the third end EG3b and the EG31b
may be alternately arranged with each other in the fifth direction
DR5.
A length LT1a of the first end EG1b and a length LT1b of the third
end EG3b may be different from each other. For example, the length
LT1a of the first end EG1b may be longer than the length LT1b of
the third end EG3b. A length LT2a of the first end EG11b and a
length LT2b of the third end EG31b may be different from each
other. For example, the length LT2a of the first end EG11b may be
shorter than the length LT2b of the third end EG31b.
In this case, a portion that defines the boundary between the first
sensing pattern 211 and the second sensing pattern 221 may be
defined as a zigzag shape instead of extending in a specific
direction. Accordingly, the boundary may be prevented from being
visible to a user. The portion that defines the boundary may mean
an area in which a conductive pattern is not disposed between the
first end EG1b and the third end EG3b and an area in which a
conductive pattern is not disposed between the first end EG11b and
the third end EG31b.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view showing an area BB' of FIG. 4
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
For convenience of explanation, to the extent that a further
description of elements and technical aspects is omitted, it may be
assumed that these elements and technical aspects are at least
similar to corresponding elements and technical aspects that have
been described elsewhere in the present disclosure.
Referring to FIGS. 4, 5A, and 6, the second end EG2 may include
second side edges SE21 and SE22 extending substantially parallel to
each other, and a second connection edge CE2 connecting the second
side edges SE21 and SE22. An angle AG2 between the second side edge
SE22 and the second connection edge CE2 may be different from an
angle AG1 between the first side edge SE11 and the first connection
edge CE1. For example, the angle AG2 between the second side edge
SE22 and the second connection edge CE2 may be about 90 degrees.
However, the angle AG2 is not limited thereto. The length of the
first connection edge CE1 and the second connection edge CE2 may be
different from each other. For example, the first connection edge
CE1 may have a length longer than a length of the second connection
edge CE2.
The second end EG2 may define the disconnection portion OLP. The
first mesh lines 211M1 disposed at both sides of the disconnection
portion OLP may receive the same signal. Accordingly, in example
embodiments, although the disconnection portion OLP is
short-circuited, this is not manifested as an electrical defect.
Therefore, when the disconnection portion OLP is short-circuited,
the repair process may be omitted.
According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the
first end EG1 that is manifested as a defect when being
disconnected from peripheral conductive patterns and the second end
EG2 that is not manifested as a defect when being disconnected from
peripheral conductive patterns may be implemented to have different
shapes to be distinguished from each other in the first sensing
pattern 211. For example, referring to FIGS. 5A-5D and 6, in an
example embodiment, the first end EG1 of the first mesh pattern
211MP facing the second mesh pattern 221MP may have a shape
different from a shape of the second end EG2 of the first mesh
pattern 211MP defining the disconnection portion OLP. Accordingly,
when the disconnection occurs in a specific area, a repair process
may be performed by determining whether the specific area requires
the repair process. Thus, according to example embodiments, since
the repair process may be performed in only the area where the
repair process is required, the manufacturing yield of the
electronic device 1000 (refer to FIG. 1) may be improved. In
addition, the repair process may be omitted when the disconnection
occurs in an area where the repair process is not required.
FIG. 7A is an enlarged plan view showing a sensor layer according
to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
For convenience of explanation, to the extent that a further
description of elements and technical aspects is omitted, it may be
assumed that these elements and technical aspects are at least
similar to corresponding elements and technical aspects that have
been described elsewhere in the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 7A, two ends EGx and EGy facing each other are
shown as a representative example. The two ends EGx and EGy may
have the same shape as each other.
The end EGx may include a side edge SEx and a connection edge CEx,
and the end EGy may include a side edge SEy and a connection edge
CEy. Each of the connection edges CEx and CEy may be a curved line.
Either the first end EG1 (refer to FIG. 5A) or the second end EG2
(refer to FIG. 6) described above may be replaced with a shape of
the end shown in FIG. 7A.
FIG. 7B is an enlarged plan view showing a sensor layer according
to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
For convenience of explanation, to the extent that a further
description of elements and technical aspects is omitted, it may be
assumed that these elements and technical aspects are at least
similar to corresponding elements and technical aspects that have
been described elsewhere in the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 7B, two ends EGxa and EGya facing each other are
shown as a representative example. The two ends EGxa and EGya may
have a shape corresponding to each other.
The end EGxa may include a side edge SExa and a connection edge
CExa, and the end EGya may include a side edge SEya and a
connection edge CEya. Each of the connection edges CExa and CEya
may include straight lines. For example, the connection edge Cexa
may include straight lines Cex1 and Cex2, and the connection edge
Ceya may include straight lines Cey1 and Cey2. Either the first end
EG1 (refer to FIG. 5A) or the second end EG2 (refer to FIG. 6)
described above may be replaced with a shape of the end shown in
FIG. 7B.
It is to be understood that, according to example embodiments, the
shape of each of the first end EG1 (refer to FIG. 5A) and the
second end EG2 (refer to FIG. 6) is not particularly limited, as
long as the first end EG1 (refer to FIG. 5A) and the second end EG2
(refer to FIG. 6) have different shapes from each other. That is,
the shape of each of the first end EG1 (refer to FIG. 5A) and the
second end EG2 (refer to FIG. 6) is not limited to the shapes
described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5D, 6, 7A, and 7B. For
example, referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, 6, 7A, and 7B, in an example
embodiment, one of the first connection edge CE1 and the second
connection edge CE2 may be a substantially straight line, and the
other one of the first connection edge CE1 and the second
connection edge CE2 may be a curved line. Still referring to FIGS.
5A-5D, 6, 7A, and 7B, in an example embodiment, one of the first
connection edge CE1 and the second connection edge CE2 includes at
least two substantially straight lines, and the other one of the
first connection edge CE1 and the second connection edge CE2
includes one substantially straight line or one curved line.
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a sensor layer 200-1 according to an
example embodiment of the present disclosure.
For convenience of explanation, to the extent that a further
description of elements and technical aspects is omitted, it may be
assumed that these elements and technical aspects are at least
similar to corresponding elements and technical aspects that have
been described elsewhere in the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 8, the sensor layer 200-1 may further include a
dummy pattern 250. The dummy pattern 250 may be disposed on the
base layer 201 in an area between a first sensing electrode 210 and
a second sensing electrode 220. For example, the dummy pattern 250
may be disposed on the base layer 201 between a first sensing
pattern 211 and a second sensing pattern 221. The dummy pattern 250
may be a floated pattern.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view showing an area CC' of FIG. 8
according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
For convenience of explanation, to the extent that a further
description of elements and technical aspects is omitted, it may be
assumed that these elements and technical aspects are at least
similar to corresponding elements and technical aspects that have
been described elsewhere in the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 9, portions of the second sensing pattern 221,
the first sensing electrode 210, and the dummy pattern 250 are
shown. A first portion 211 (hereinafter, referred to as the "first
sensing pattern") of the first sensing electrode 210, a second
portion 212 of the first sensing electrode 210, the second sensing
pattern 221, and the dummy pattern 250 may be disposed on the same
layer. The first sensing pattern, the second portion 212, the
second sensing pattern 221, and the dummy pattern 250 may have a
mesh structure.
The first sensing electrode 210 may include a first end EG1 and
second ends EG2O and EG2D. The first end EG1 may be a portion
facing the second sensing pattern 221, and the second ends EG2O and
EG2D may be a portion spaced apart from the second sensing pattern
221. For example, the second end EG2O may be provided in the first
sensing pattern 211, and the second end EG2D may face the dummy
pattern 250. For example, the second end EG2D may be spaced apart
from the second sensing pattern 221 in the fifth direction DR5 with
the dummy pattern 250 interposed therebetween.
The second sensing pattern 221 may include a third end EG3 and
fourth ends EG4O and EG4D. The third end EG3 may be a portion
facing the first sensing electrode 210, and the fourth ends EG4O
and EG4D may be a portion spaced apart from the first sensing
pattern 211. For example, the fourth end EG4O may be provided in
the second sensing pattern 221, and the fourth end EG4D may face
the dummy pattern 250.
When the first end EG1 and the third end EG3 are shorted with a
peripheral conductive pattern, the first end EG1 and the third end
EG3 may cause defects. Accordingly, the first end EG1 and the third
end EG3 may have shapes different from shapes of other ends, e.g.,
shapes of the second ends EG2O and EG2D and the fourth ends EG4O
and EG4D.
FIG. 9 shows a structure in which the second ends EG2O and EG2D
have the same shape as each other and the fourth ends EG4O and EG4D
have the same shape as each other. However, the present disclosure
is not limited thereto. For example, either the second end EG2D or
the fourth end EG4D may have substantially the same shape as that
of the first end EG1. For example, when both the first sensing
pattern 211 and the second sensing pattern 221 are connected to the
dummy pattern 250, this may be manifested as defects. Accordingly,
when one of the second end EG2D and the fourth end EG4D has
substantially the same shape as that of the first end EG1, the
repair process may be performed on one of the second end EG2D and
the fourth end EG4D, and thus, the manufactured sensor layer 200-1
(refer to FIG. 8) may be free of defects.
FIG. 10 is a plan view showing some components of an electronic
device according to an example embodiment of the present
disclosure.
For convenience of explanation, to the extent that a further
description of elements and technical aspects is omitted, it may be
assumed that these elements and technical aspects are at least
similar to corresponding elements and technical aspects that have
been described elsewhere in the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 shows portions of the light emitting area PXA (refer to
FIG. 3) of the display layer 100 (refer to FIG. 3) and the first
sensing pattern 211 (refer to FIG. 4) of the sensor layer 200
(refer to FIG. 4).
The light emitting area PXA (refer to FIG. 3) may be provided in
plural and may include a red light emitting area PXAR, a green
light emitting area PXAG, and a blue light emitting area PXAB. Each
of the red light emitting area PXAR, the green light emitting area
PXAG, and the blue light emitting area PXAB may be arranged in a
pentile structure. The pentile structure may mean a structure as
shown in FIG. 10. However, the arrangement structure of the red
light emitting area PXAR, the green light emitting area PXAG, and
the blue light emitting area PXAB is not limited to the structure
shown in FIG. 10.
The first sensing pattern 211 (refer to FIG. 4) may have a mesh
structure, and a first opening OPR overlapping the red light
emitting area PXAR, a second opening OPG overlapping the green
light emitting area PXAG, and a third opening OPB overlapping the
blue light emitting area PXAB may be defined in the first sensing
pattern 211 (refer to FIG. 4).
For example, the second opening OPG may be defined by first,
second, third, and fourth mesh portions MSP1, MSP2, MSP3, and MSP4.
The first mesh portion MSP1 and the second mesh portion MSP2 may be
spaced apart from each other, and the third mesh portion MSP3 and
the fourth mesh portion MSP4 may be spaced apart from each other.
Each of the third mesh portion MSP3 and the fourth mesh portion
MSP4 may be connected to the first mesh portion MSP1 and the second
mesh portion MSP2.
The first mesh portion MSP1 and the second mesh portion MSP2 may be
portions of the first mesh line 211M1 (refer to FIG. 5A), and the
third mesh portion MSP3 and the fourth mesh portion MSP4 may be
portions of the first cross-mesh line 211M2 (refer to FIG. 5A).
Widths WT1, WT2, WT3, and WT4 of the first, second, third, and
fourth mesh portions MSP1, MSP2, MSP3, and MSP4 may be
substantially the same as each other. In addition, distances DT1,
DT2, DT3, and DT4 between the first, second, third, and fourth mesh
portions MSP1, MSP2, MSP3, and MSP4 and the green light emitting
area PXAG may be substantially the same as each other. The
expression "widths or distances are substantially the same as each
other" may mean that they are the same as each other within a range
including a process error as would be understood by a person having
ordinary skill in the art.
The first mesh portion MSP1 may be a portion extending along the
fourth direction DR4, and the width WT1 of the first mesh portion
MSP1 may be a width in a direction, e.g., the fifth direction DR5,
that is substantially parallel to a direction crossing the
direction in which the first mesh portion MSP1 extends. In
addition, the distance DT1 between the first mesh portion MSP1 and
the green light emitting area PXAG may be a distance in the
direction substantially parallel to the fifth direction DR5.
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing some components of an electronic
device according to an example embodiment of the present
disclosure.
For convenience of explanation, to the extent that a further
description of elements and technical aspects is omitted, it may be
assumed that these elements and technical aspects are at least
similar to corresponding elements and technical aspects that have
been described elsewhere in the present disclosure, and in
describing FIG. 11, different features from those of FIG. 10 will
be mainly described.
Referring to FIG. 11, the display quality of the electronic device
1000 (refer to FIG. 1) may be improved by adjusting widths WT1a,
WT2a, WT3a, and WT4a of first, second, third, and fourth mesh
portions MSP1a, MSP2a, MSP3a, and MSP4a and distances DT1a, DT2a,
DT3a, and DT4a between the first, second, third, and fourth mesh
portions MSP1a, MSP2a, MSP3a, and MSP4a and a green light emitting
area PXAG, which may collectively refer to a first light emitting
area PXAG1, a second light emitting area PXAG2, a third light
emitting area PXAG3, and a fourth light emitting area PXAG4.
Color coordinates may be controlled by adjusting the widths WT1a,
WT2a, WT3a, and WT4a and the distances DT1a, DT2a, DT3a, and DT4a,
and thus, a white angle difference (WAD) characteristic may be
improved. The WAD is an item to evaluate a change in white
characteristic according to a viewing angle. For example, the WAD
characteristic may be evaluated by measuring a luminance change
amount and a color coordinate change amount according to the
viewing angle with respect to a front side, which is observed in a
vertical direction on a screen, for example, the third direction
DR3. When the WAD characteristic is improved, the display quality
of the electronic device 1000 (refer to FIG. 1) may be
improved.
Some of the widths WT1a, WT2a, WT3a, and WT4a of the first, second,
third, and fourth mesh portions MSP1a, MSP2a, MSP3a, and MSP4a may
be different from others. For example, a first width WT1a may be
greater than a third width WT3a and a fourth width WT4a, and a
second width WT2a may be greater than the third width WT3a and the
fourth width WT4a. In addition, some of the distances DT1a, DT2a,
DT3a, and DT4a between the first, second, third, and fourth mesh
portions MSP1a, MSP2a, MSP3a, and MSP4a and the green light
emitting area PXAG may be different from others. For example, a
first distance DT1a may be smaller than a second distance DT2a, and
a third distance DT3a may be smaller than a fourth distance
DT4a.
The distances DT1a, DT2a, DT3a, and DT4a in each of the light
emitting area providing the same light may be adjusted differently.
For example, the green light emitting area PXAG may be provided in
plural, and the green light emitting area PXAG may include the
first light emitting area PXAG1, the second light emitting area
PXAG2, the third light emitting area PXAG3, and the fourth light
emitting area PXAG4. The first, second, third, and fourth light
emitting areas PXAG1, PXAG2, PXAG3, and PXAG4 may emit the same
color as each other.
The first sensing pattern 211 (refer to FIG. 4) may have the mesh
structure, and a first opening OPG1 overlapping the first light
emitting area PXAG1, a second opening OPG2 overlapping the second
light emitting area PXAG2, a third opening OPG3 overlapping the
third light emitting area PXAG3, and a fourth opening OPG4
overlapping the fourth light emitting area PXAG4 may be defined in
the first sensing pattern 211 (refer to FIG. 4).
A position of the first light emitting area PXAG1 with respect to
the first opening OPG1 may be different from a position of the
second light emitting area PXAG2 with respect to the second opening
OPG2. For example, the first light emitting area PXAG1 may be
positioned as being shifted in a first shift direction DX1 with
respect to the first opening OPG1, the second light emitting area
PXAG2 may be positioned as being shifted in a second shift
direction DX2 with respect to the second opening OPG2, the third
light emitting area PXAG3 may be positioned as being shifted in a
third shift direction DX3 with respect to the third opening OPG3,
and the fourth light emitting area PXAG4 may be positioned as being
shifted in a fourth shift direction DX4 with respect to the fourth
opening OPG4.
Referring to FIG. 11, each of the red light emitting area PXAR and
the blue light emitting area PXAB (see FIG. 10) may be shifted
similar to the green light emitting areas PXAG, and thus, a further
description thereof will be omitted.
According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a
positional relationship between the light emitting area and the
opening may be provided in various and random ways. Accordingly,
although a color distortion occurs in a specific direction due to
process dispersion, a WAD distribution may be reduced because the
positional relationship between the light emitting area and the
opening is provided in various and random ways.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device
1000-2 according to an example embodiment of the present
disclosure, and FIG. 13 is a plan view showing some components of
the electronic device according to an example embodiment of the
present disclosure.
For convenience of explanation, to the extent that a further
description of elements and technical aspects is omitted, it may be
assumed that these elements and technical aspects are at least
similar to corresponding elements and technical aspects that have
been described elsewhere in the present disclosure, and in
describing FIGS. 12 and 13, different features from those of FIG. 3
will be mainly described.
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a concave groove 60H may be defined
in a sixth insulating layer 60 of a display layer 100 of the
electronic device 1000-2. The concave groove 60H may be provided by
components disposed under the sixth insulating layer 60.
A light emitting element 100PEa may include a first electrode AE, a
light emitting layer ELG, and a second electrode CE. The light
emitting layer ELG may include a first light emitting portion ELP1
and a second light emitting portion ELP2G.
The first light emitting portion ELP1 and the second light emitting
portion ELP2G may be distinguished from each other based on their
shapes in the light emitting layer ELG. For example, the first
light emitting portion ELP1 may include a substantially flat upper
surface, and the second light emitting portion ELP2G may include an
inclined upper surface. For example, the second light emitting
portion ELP2G may have a curved shape to correspond to the shape of
the concave groove 60H of the sixth insulating layer 60. The second
light emitting portion ELP2G may be concaved from the first light
emitting portion ELP1 in a direction away from a base layer
201.
A light LTP1 emitted from the first light emitting portion ELP1 may
travel in a third direction DR3, for example, in a thickness
direction of the base layer 201, a thickness direction of the
display layer 100, or a thickness direction of the electronic
device 1000-2. A light LTP2 emitted from the second light emitting
portion ELP2G may be provided in a direction inclined with respect
to the third direction DR3.
When viewed in the thickness direction of the electronic device
1000-2, mesh portions MSP1b and MSP2b may be disposed around a
green light emitting area PXAG. FIG. 12 shows a first mesh portion
MSP1b and a second mesh portion MSP2b. The first mesh portion MSP1b
may be disposed adjacent to the first light emitting portion ELP1,
and the second mesh portion MSP2b may be disposed adjacent to the
second light emitting portion ELP2G.
When viewed in a plane, a first distance DT1b between the first
mesh portion MSP1b and the green light emitting area PXAG may be
different from a second distance DT2b between the second mesh
portion MSP2b and the green light emitting area PXAG. For example,
the second distance DT2b may be smaller than the first distance
DT1b.
According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the
second mesh portion MSP2b disposed in an area adjacent to the
inclined second light emitting portion ELP2G may be disposed closer
to the green light emitting area PXAG to prevent a light from being
intensively viewed in a certain direction. A width WT2b of the
second mesh portion MSP2b may be adjusted to be greater than a
width WT1b of the first mesh portion MSP1b. A light traveling in a
certain direction, e.g., the light LTP2 traveling in a direction
inclined with respect to the third direction DR3 in the second
light emitting portion ELP2G, may be blocked by the second mesh
portion MSP2b. Accordingly, the light LTP2 that causes the color
distortion may be blocked or reduced from being emitted such that
it is visible to a user, and thus, the WAD characteristic may be
improved.
Referring to FIG. 13, light emitting portions ELP2R and ELP2B may
be respectively defined in a red light emitting area PXAR and a
blue light emitting area PXAB as the second light emitting portion
ELP2G of the green light emitting area PXAG. In FIG. 13, distances
between the red light emitting area PXAR and the mesh portions may
be the same as each other, and distances between the blue light
emitting area PXAB and the mesh portions may be the same as each
other. That is, only the distances DT1b and DT2b between the green
light emitting area PXAG and the mesh portions MSP1b and MSP2b may
be adjusted differently from each other. For example, in an example
embodiment, only a thickness of the mesh portions MSP1b and MSP2b
disposed around the light emitting area that provides a light of a
specific color with the best visual sensitivity characteristics may
be different from each other.
FIG. 14 is a plan view showing some components of an electronic
device according to an example embodiment of the present
disclosure.
For convenience of explanation, to the extent that a further
description of elements and technical aspects is omitted, it may be
assumed that these elements and technical aspects are at least
similar to corresponding elements and technical aspects that have
been described elsewhere in the present disclosure, and in
describing FIG. 14, different features from those of FIG. 13 will
be mainly described.
Referring to FIG. 14, a width of mesh portions disposed adjacent to
a red light emitting area PXAR and a blue light emitting area PXAB
may be adjusted. For example, a second mesh portion MSP2c may be
disposed adjacent to a second light emitting portion ELP2R of the
red light emitting area PXAR. Accordingly, the second mesh portion
MSP2c may be expanded in a direction to the red light emitting area
PXAR. Thus, a width WT2c of the second mesh portion MSP2c may be
greater than the width WT2b of the second mesh portion MSP2b of
FIG. 13.
A distance DT2R between the second light emitting portion ELP2R of
the red light emitting area PXAR and the mesh portion may be
smaller than a distance DT1R between a first light emitting portion
of the red light emitting area PXAR and the mesh portion. A
distance DT2B between a second light emitting portion ELP2B of the
blue light emitting area PXAB and the mesh portion may be smaller
than a distance DT1B between a first light emitting portion of the
blue light emitting area PXAB and the mesh portion. The first light
emitting portion of the red light emitting area PXAR may mean the
other area except the second light emitting portion ELP2R in the
red light emitting area PXAR, and the first light emitting portion
of the blue light emitting area PXAB may mean the other area except
the second light emitting portion ELP2B in the blue light emitting
area PXAB. The second light emitting portions ELP2R, ELP2G, and
ELP2B are shown as areas surrounded by dotted lines.
While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and
described with reference to the example embodiments thereof, it
will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that
various changes in form and detail may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as
defined by the following claims.
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